Modern-day living in a fast-paced CBD environment with convenience - that's the appeal of having an apartment in Auckland's Viaduct, say the owners of this one-bedroom unit in Customs St West.

Michael and Annette bought the 56sq m apartment off the plans in 1998/99 when The Quays was being built. The position was the big drawcard but they also liked the apartment's quality fit-out and felt it had "universal appeal with practical operational logistics".

Also underpinning their decision to buy was that their two daughters could use the apartment during their university years. "I wish my parents purchased a city pad on the Viaduct Basin for my university years!" says Annette.

Although they considered using the apartment as a city base when they were living on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, in the end it became an investment proposition.

They have used property management company Quinovic to oversee their rental. "As at today the apartment is in as-new condition," says Annette.

Michael and Annette see benefits in the apartment being leasehold and appreciate being able to buy into a quality building in the CBD on the waterfront for modest cost.

"In my view, irrespective of positive and/or negative perceptions associated with leasehold property, it all gets back to basics," says Annette. "Where it is, what it is and how much it costs you. Satisfy these three criteria and you rest easy."

On the third level of The Quays, the apartment has the kitchen on the right as you come in, with the laundry behind cupboard doors on the left. The kitchen has F&P oven and bench-top hobs, DishDrawer and fridge/freezer. There's a textured stainless steel benchtop and granite on the upper bench where the kitchen opens to the lounge. The granite and the internal timber blinds were extras that Annette and Michael added to the fit-out.

The lounge has sliding glass doors to the balcony which looks out to Customs St West and the city. The bathroom, with bath and separate shower, is on the left. The bedroom opens to the balcony and looks out to the street.

Annette and Michael are selling because they are now based in Australia. They think the apartment will appeal to people who want a ready base in the CBD, including professional couples, retirees and companies requiring short-term accommodation.